oenix arose to life."

[Illustration: Phoenix]

The _Anchor_ is the symbol of steadfastness and hope. "A strong
consolation,... which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure
and steadfast."

[Illustration: Anchor]

The _Crown_ is the symbol of victory and sovereignty.

The _Wreath_, commonly of laurel, is another symbol of victory. As an
expression of triumph won, it is one of the commonest of symbols in the
catacombs--the underground and secret burying-places of the early
Christians in times of persecution.

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In this connection we may note the symbolism attached to certain plants
and flowers. In the ornamentation of God's house we reproduce, as far
as the art of man can, the forms and colors with which the love of God
has arrayed the earth with so much beauty. We also use the natural
plant and flower to beautify the church on the great Christian days of
gladness and rejoicing. They mark such days as festival days. In a
special way they tell at Easter, by their fresh, pure life out of the
death of winter, the story of the resurrection.

[Illustration: Crown]

But, besides this, an emblematic meaning is also attached to particular
flowers and plants. The use by the early Christians of plants and
flowers in an emblematic way was simply a matter of reverent memory and
the carrying over of past associations. Their remembrance of the words
of the Lord Jesus would make the _Vine_, His own similitude of Himself
in relation to them,--"I am the vine, ye are the branches,"--a symbol
of frequent use to represent the Saviour.

The _Wheat_ and the _Grapes_ would not only be {79} the emblems of
abundance and rejoicing, but would be enriched with suggestions of the
Holy Eucharist.

The _Olive-branch_, borne by the dove, recalling the story of the
flood, would stand for the thought of security and peace.

[Illustration: Olive-branch]

The _Almond_, with name derived from a word meaning haste, in allusion
to its hasty growth and early maturity, was the symbol of hopefulness
even in the days of Jeremiah. "The word of the Lord came unto me,
saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an
almond-tree. Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I
will hasten My word to perform it."

The _Palm_ is the emblem of victory. This symbolism attached to it not
only from the familiar associations of its pagan use as such, but from
a very early period, as seen on ancient mosaics,